You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Thursday, March 22, at 6:30pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Congolese Dance.

Funmilayo Chesney

Congolese culture is deep and ancient. It has had a profound influence on many musical and dance styles. Many modern dance forms have some Congolese roots (samba, salsa, reggae, cha-cha-cha, belly dance, even the “moonwalk” popularized by Michael Jackson). In this class, Funmilayo Chesney will teach us dances from the Congo region, including dances designed for healing, flirtation, celebrations, etc., as well as some Congolese songs. This class provides a great workout, as we master footwork techniques, intense body isolation moves, and a signature powerful circular motion that radically increases the body’s fluidity and can greatly enhance our ability to dance in any style.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Thursdays, March 29–
May 3, 6:30–7:30pm
12WAD17T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110

To register by phone call 212-219-2527 x 2.

Simone Coonrod

Get ready to have a ball grooving to the infectious rhythms and poppin’ beats of the big bands as you discover the joy and pure fun of swing dancing. Known for her creativity, energy, and ability to bring the spirit of dance alive, professional dancer and musician Simone Coonrod, founder of Swinging with Simone®, will introduce us to more than the basic steps of swing. Her exuberant style, wealth of knowledge, and clarity of teaching will guide us in listening to the body language of a partner and exploring our own groove until the joint is jumpin’. By evening’s end, we’ll enjoy our own playful spontaneity, lively connection and, most delightfully, we’ll experience the joy of really being in the present moment.

Note: No partner required nor experience necessary. Wear comfortable, festive clothes and smooth-soled shoes that do not stick.

AN EVENING EVENT
Saturday, April 21, 8–10:30pm
12WMEM02
Members: FREE / Members’ Guests: $10 /Nonmember Guests: $15
[reg_button:12WMEM02]

Not a member, become one by clicking here and enjoy special benefits each year.

Funmilayo Chesney

Congolese culture is deep and ancient. It has had a profound influence on many musical and dance styles. Many modern dance forms have some Congolese roots (samba, salsa, reggae, cha-cha-cha, belly dance, even the “moonwalk” popularized by Michael Jackson). In this class, Funmilayo Chesney will teach us dances from the Congo region, including dances designed for healing, flirtation, celebrations, etc., as well as some Congolese songs. This class provides a great workout, as we master footwork techniques, intense body isolation moves, and a signature powerful circular motion that radically increases the body’s fluidity and can greatly enhance our ability to dance in any style.

Free intro class on Thursday, March 22, at 6:30pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Thursdays, March 29–
May 3, 6:30–7:30pm
12WAD17T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110
[reg_button:12WAD17T]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Tuesday, February 28, at 6pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Zumba®.

Melissa “Issa D” Dungao

The Latin dance-based exercise system called Zumba has become an international fitness sensation. It’s taught at over 40,000 locations in 75 countries, and millions of Zumba DVDs have been sold. It’s so popular because it fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms (drawn from genres from cumbia to salsa to hip-hop to mambo) and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that is a lot of fun. Its routines incorporate strength-building and coordination elements; fast and slow rhythms; and resistance training—all combined to tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. It’s a lot more like a party everyone looks forward to than a painful workout one feels obliged to do. Come prepared to sweat and laugh, and discover that you don’t have to torture yourself to be fit—you just have to love to move.

Note: For people of all fitness levels. Please wear workout or fitness clothes.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Tuesdays, March 6–April 10, 6–7pm
12WAD11T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110

To register by phone call 212-219-2527 x 2.

Melissa “Issa D” Dungao

The Latin dance-based exercise system called Zumba has become an international fitness sensation. It’s taught at over 40,000 locations in 75 countries, and millions of Zumba DVDs have been sold. It’s so popular because it fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms (drawn from genres from cumbia to salsa to hip-hop to mambo) and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that is a lot of fun. Its routines incorporate strength-building and coordination elements; fast and slow rhythms; and resistance training—all combined to tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. It’s a lot more like a party everyone looks forward to than a painful workout one feels obliged to do. Come prepared to sweat and laugh, and discover that you don’t have to torture yourself to be fit—you just have to love to move.

Note: For people of all fitness levels. Please wear workout or fitness clothes.

Free intro class on Tuesday, February 28, at  6pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Tuesdays, March 6–April 10, 6–7pm
12WAD11T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110
[reg_button:12WAD11T]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Monday, February 27, at 6pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Belly Dancing.

Safiya

No dance form generates more mystery, curiosity or interest than raqs sharki, better known in America as “belly dance.”  It is the product of women’s wisdom traditions that go back to the dawn of human culture. No other art can help us so viscerally reconnect to this ancient, still-vital stream of women’s mysteries. This timeless dance form puts us in direct communication with our forgotten feminine self, empowers us, and dramatically strengthens and tones our bodies. Join Safiya as she introduces us to the core movements of belly dance done to traditional Middle Eastern dance rhythms as well as to the use of finger cymbals and veils. By the end of the class, we will be able to perform a choreographed belly dance routine.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Mondays, March 5–April 2, 6pm
12WAD16TA
Members: $85 / Nonmembers: $95

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Mondays, April 9–May 7, 6pm
12WAD16TB
Members: $85 / Nonmembers: $95

To register by phone call 212-219-2527 x 2.

Safiya

No dance form generates more mystery, curiosity or interest than raqs sharki, better known in America as “belly dance.”  It is the product of women’s wisdom traditions that go back to the dawn of human culture. No other art can help us so viscerally reconnect to this ancient, still-vital stream of women’s mysteries. This timeless dance form puts us in direct communication with our forgotten feminine self, empowers us, and dramatically strengthens and tones our bodies. Join Safiya as she introduces us to the core movements of belly dance done to traditional Middle Eastern dance rhythms as well as to the use of finger cymbals and veils. By the end of the class, we will be able to perform a choreographed belly dance routine.

Free introductory class on Monday, February 27, at 6pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Mondays, April 9–May 7, 6–7pm
12WAD16TB
Members: $85 / Nonmembers: $95
[reg_button:12WAD16TB]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

Safiya

No dance form generates more mystery, curiosity or interest than raqs sharki, better known in America as “belly dance.”  It is the product of women’s wisdom traditions that go back to the dawn of human culture. No other art can help us so viscerally reconnect to this ancient, still-vital stream of women’s mysteries. This timeless dance form puts us in direct communication with our forgotten feminine self, empowers us, and dramatically strengthens and tones our bodies. Join Safiya as she introduces us to the core movements of belly dance done to traditional Middle Eastern dance rhythms as well as to the use of finger cymbals and veils. By the end of the class, we will be able to perform a choreographed belly dance routine.

Free introductory class on Monday, February 27, at 6pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Mondays, March 5–April 2, 6–7pm
12WAD16TA
Members: $85 / Nonmembers: $95
[reg_button:12WAD16TA]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

Pooja Narang

Bollywood dancing, one of the hottest current dance styles around the world, is the basis of nearly every Indian film. It fuses traditional Indian dance with jazz and modern dance forms, and now integrates the high-energy beats of Bhangra, hip-hop and other world music. It will keep you moving and make you want to dance non-stop. Pooja Narang is renowned as a Pied Piper of Indian dance and, in this class, she will teach us the timing, rhythm, energy and expressive movements of Bollywood dance, so that we move every part of our body and have great fun. If you are looking to escape into the dreamworld of Bollywood and learn the dances of India’s top film stars, this is the class for you.

Note: Each class will include a warm-up and cool-down. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear (such as lightweight athletic shoes); wear two layers so that one can be removed if you get too hot; tie long hair back; don’t eat at least 45 minutes before class; and bring water.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Thursdays, January 19–
February 16, 6–7pm
11FAD06TB
Members: $90 / Nonmembers: $100
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Shamira

“Something wonderful happens when a woman belly dances—it’s a bridge to the ancient wisdom and beauty of who we really are, no matter our age or body type.” —Shamira

In an atmosphere of sensuality and playfulness we will dance with the magic of true feminine energy through the gorgeous movements of belly dance. The class will include hypnotic hip circles and isolations, undulations, figure eights, shimmies and veil dancing, and we will learn a complete, authentic routine using these movements.

Note: Wear stretch leggings, tank tops or leotards, loose flowing skirts, or anything comfortable. Hip scarves, coin belts and other materials can be purchased from the instructor. Recommended: Shamira’s belly dance videos, available at the center bookstore.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Mondays, January 23–
February 13, 2012, 6:10–7:10pm
11FAD16TC
Members: $70 / Nonmembers: $80
[reg_button:11FAD16TC]